North Carolina knows how to make a hiking trail worth the sore legs.
One minute you’re climbing through thick forest, and the next you’re standing on a rocky overlook with mountain ridges stretching for miles in every direction.
That variety is exactly what makes these eight hikes so memorable, with thundering waterfalls, steep summit climbs, and viewpoints where you’ll want to keep your camera ready.
Some are quick enough for a morning adventure, while others will test your legs with several miles of climbing and rocky terrain.
So grab your hiking shoes, fill your water bottle, and keep reading because these are eight North Carolina trails you’ll want on your hiking list.
1. Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail
Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail is a steep, paved 1.3-mile round-trip hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
The trail climbs about 338 feet to Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, which stands at 6,643 feet and marks the highest point in the entire Smokies.
You’ll also cross the Appalachian Trail near the summit, hike through spruce-fir forest, and experience temperatures 10 to 20 degrees colder than nearby lowlands.
At the top, walk up the spiral ramp of the concrete observation tower for sweeping mountain views, stretching more than 100 miles on exceptionally clear days.
2. Looking Glass Rock Trail
Next up, Looking Glass Rock Trail shifts from paved paths to a 6-mile round-trip forest hike in Pisgah National Forest, about 15 minutes from downtown Brevard.
You’ll climb about 1,700 feet along switchbacks lined with rhododendron before reaching the top of the massive pluton monolith, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level.
From the open, curved rock surface, you’ll get scenic views across the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding forest-covered ridges, making it a great spot for photos.
Just make sure to stay back from the cliff edges, especially after rain, and keep an eye on the sky for peregrine falcons.
3. Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
If you’re looking for something shorter, Mount Mitchell Summit Trail offers a 0.4-mile paved walk in Mount Mitchell State Park, just an hour’s drive from Asheville.
The path climbs about 92 feet to the observation deck atop Mount Mitchell, which stands 6,684 feet tall as the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
From there, you can spot layers of the Black Mountains Range, enjoy the cool mountain air, and soak up scenery you won’t soon forget.
With temperatures much cooler than lower elevations, it’s worth packing a light jacket and exploring the nearby Balsam Nature Trail for a little extra adventure.
4. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail
Moore’s Wall Loop Trail steps up the distance with a 4.6-mile loop through Hanging Rock State Park.
You’ll cover about 977 feet of elevation change as the trail winds past the lake, crosses a small creek, and tackles plenty of rocky steps toward Moore’s Knob.
A fire lookout tower crowns the summit, giving you jaw-dropping views across layers of forested ridges, distant mountains, and the countryside below.
It’s the kind of trail that keeps things interesting from start to finish, so take your time and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
5. Hawksbill Mountain Trail
Hawksbill Mountain Trail brings another rocky adventure with a 2.1-mile round-trip route through Linville Gorge Wilderness and about 675 feet of elevation gain.
You’ll start beneath the trees before winding through several switchbacks and increasingly rocky terrain as you make your way higher.
The route becomes steeper near the top before reaching the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, which stands at 4,009 feet and is also a popular camping spot.
Once there, you’ll get panoramic views of Linville Gorge and Pisgah National Forest, with Table Rock and even the distant Charlotte skyline visible on clear days.
6. Crabtree Falls Trail
Crabtree Falls Trail takes you on a 2.5-mile loop just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 339.5.
You’ll descend 0.9 miles through a forest of oak and hickory trees, passing rosebay rhododendrons before arriving at a wooden bridge at the base of Crabtree Falls.
The 60-foot cascade spreads into several streams as it tumbles down a broad rock face, with large rocks and thick forest framing the water below.
To stay safe on the trail, wear shoes with good grip because roots and wet sections can get slippery, and consider visiting after steady rain for a more powerful flow.
7. Craggy Pinnacle Trail
Back to mountain views, Craggy Pinnacle Trail climbs above the trees on a 1-mile round-trip hike from the parking area at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364.1.
You’ll gain about 250 feet while winding through twisted mountain laurel and thick rhododendron tunnels on the way to the 5,892-foot summit.
The overlooks near the top serve up 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and the Asheville Watershed below.
If you can, visit in June to see purple Catawba rhododendrons in bloom, or plan your hike around sunset to watch the mountains change color.
8. Whiteside Mountain Trail
To round out the list, Whiteside Mountain Trail brings a wilder challenge with a 2-mile loop through Nantahala National Forest and about 495 feet of elevation gain.
Reaching the top of 4,930-foot Whiteside Mountain puts you above massive cliffs that rise roughly 750 feet, where you may spot peregrine falcons soaring nearby.
You’ll also get gorgeous views of forest-covered valleys, rolling mountain ridges, and distant peaks, with plenty of photo-worthy overlooks along the way.
With plenty packed into just two miles, this is one of those hikes where taking your time is part of the experience, so plan for more time than the short distance might suggest.
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